The 12 Chinese Horoscope Signs

According to the legend, Buddha once asked all the animals to visit him on New Year's Day but only 12 animals arrived. They were the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig:-

Rat Ox Tiger Rabbit Dragon Snake Horse Ram Monkey Rooster Dog Pig

In order to honour the animals that had turned up, he decided it was only fair that they and they alone should be awarded a year of their own.

Chinese astrology is based on a ten year Sun-Moon cycle which forms the basis of ancient Chinese agricultural calendar. The cycle is divided into the five elements: Water,Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal as well as these 12 animals which represent each year. The system is influenced by Yin (female) and Yang (male) cosmic force which is said to be an interpretation of universal harmony and balance.

A 6th century AD Chinese vase decorated with the images of the 12 Chinese Horoscope signs.

Understanding the characteristics of the animal that rules that year will help you to be more understanding and tolerant of that person and an increased awarness of your own strengths and faults.

The Gate of Hope, Singapore

Outside view

At the above (green coloured) gate of the former Convent of The Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), many babies were abandoned in baskets to be picked up by the Sisters of the Convent. This was the origin of the Home for Abandoned Babies.

For over 100 years, the orphanage was home to children from poor or broken homes as well as unwanted babies. The orphanage took in many Chinese baby girls born in the year of the tiger - " tiger girls " because of the strong superstitious belief that they would bring bad luck to their families.

In 1963, the Mother Superior noted that this practice was stopped as there was a marked change in this supersitious belief. The Home of Abandoned Babies ceased finally in 1983 when the CHIJ Convent was relocated.

Inside view